The Gamboa-St. Clare Coffee Lovers torched the struggling Mila’s Lechon Mighty Roasters to take a 70-58 victory and make it back-to-back wins, Thursday evening at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
The Coffee Lovers used a 16-0 charge to end the first half and swing a 17-all deadlock to a 33-17 halftime lead. They further eviscerated the Mighty Roasters and took a 30-point advantage, 59-29, early in the payoff period.
Trevis Jackson spurred Gamboa-St. Clare’s assault with 19 points and five rebounds, as the Coffee Lovers improved their record to 2-1.
Aris Dionisio also flexed his muscle in the paint with 15 markers, four boards, and three blocks. Malian center Mohammed Pare provided the supporting role with his eight points, 18 rebounds, three steals, and two blocks.
Raymond Rubio had 10 markers and five rebounds off the bench.
However, Coach Jinino Manansala was disappointed with how the Coffee Lovers had allowed the Mighty Roasters to get to within 11 in the final two minutes of the game.
“Yung mga bata, na-underestimate yung kalaban kaya medyo yung lamang naging maiksi,” he said. “Alam kong kaya nila layuan ng 30 points yung lamang eh. Every game, dapat ibigay namin yung best namin.”
The Coffee Lovers were active on the defensive end, securing 10 steals which led to 26 turnover points in their favor.
Axel Iñigo carried the load for Mila’s Lechon with 23 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists, as the Mighty Roasters remain in the hunt of their first win in three games.
The Scores:
Gamboa-St. Clare 70 — Jackson 19, Dionisio 15, Rubio 10, Pare 8, Rebugio 8, Bitoon 4, Ambuludto 3, Hallare 2, Acuno 1, Catura 0.
Mila’s Lechon 58 — Iñigo 23, Montuano 12, Ng 9, Delfinado 5, Acibar 2, Derige 2, Parala 2, Sarangay 2, Padilla 1, Bellosillo 0, Crisostomo 0, Deles 0, Herradura 0.
Quarterscores: 17-10, 33-17, 57-29, 70-58.